Method for generating digital content by combining photographs and text messages

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a content of a display apparatus. A user touch is received. An area corresponding to the received user touch is detected. A object is inserted and displayed into the detected area.

PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/976,341, filed on Dec. 22, 2010, which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Korean Patent Application No.10-2009-0131058, filed on Dec. 24, 2009, in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a method for generatingdigital content, and more particularly, to a method for generatingdigital content by combining a variety of photos and texts.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, the use of large-sized displays has rapidly increased, and avariety of devices implementing large-sized displays such as electronicblackboards, electronic tables, and the like have been developed.

In many cases, the large-sized displays are not accompanied withseparate input devices, but rely on built in touch screens which operateto receive user selection. For example, an electronic blackboard orelectronic table receives user commands through the user touching thetouch screen.

Increasingly, displays receive input through touch screens only as thedevices such as tablets or full-touch mobile phones implementing touchscreens have increasingly been made available.

However, as the use of various display devices implementing touchscreens is becoming more common, users are frequently required to makeand use content using only a touch screen.

Accordingly, a method is necessary, which allows a user to make contenton a display apparatus implementing a touch screen with ease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made to address at least the aboveproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present inventionprovides a method for generating digital content, which includesperceiving a intermediary figure included in an inputted image,inserting a digital object to a location where the intermediary figureis displayed, and displaying digital content which is an image includingthe inserted digital object.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is providedfor generating a content of a display apparatus. A user touch isreceived. An area corresponding to the received user touch is detected.A object is inserted and displayed into the detected area.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a displayapparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a manipulationunit configured to receive a user touch, a display, and a controllerconfigured to perceive an area corresponding to the received user touch,insert and display a object into the detected area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent from the following detailed descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a screen of a display apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart provided to explain a method for generatingdigital content according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A to 3I illustrate the process of receiving an image photographedby a camera and generating content using the inputted image, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4N illustrate the process in which an image photographed bythe object image processor is inputted and content is generated usingthe inputted image;

FIGS. 5A to 5J illustrate the process of generating digital content byreceiving a previously-stored image and using the received image,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate the process of receiving an image drawn byuser touch selection with respect to the touch screen and generatingcontent using the received image, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate the process of receiving an image drawn by theuser touching a touch screen of an external device, and generatingcontent using the received image;

FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate a base image of the digital content andcompleted digital content 860, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a base image of the digital content andcompleted digital content 960 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the display apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, the same or similar reference numerals maybe used for the same or similar elements when they are illustrated indifferent drawings. Detailed descriptions of constructions or processesknown in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a screen of a display apparatus 100according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a digital contentgenerating window 110 on which an inputted image is presented, isdisplayed on the screen of the display apparatus 100.

The ‘inputted image’ herein is in a base template or form of the digitalcontent. The inputted image includes a plurality of intermediary figuresand thus is applied as the base forms to generate digital content. Theintermediary figures will be explained in detail below.

The display apparatus 100 may receive an input in various manners.Specifically, the display apparatus 100 may receive from an externalphotographing apparatus an image taken by the external photographingapparatus. The external photographing apparatus herein may beimplemented as one of digital camera, wired/wireless webcam, portablecamera, camcorder, object image processor, or scanner. Accordingly, ifthe display apparatus 100 receives an image photographed by the externalphotographing apparatus, user may hand-draw a base image for digitalcontent, photograph the hand-drawn image using the externalphotographing apparatus, and input the photographed image to the displayapparatus 100. Then, the user may create an image incorporating aplurality of intermediary figures by hand-drawing the intermediaryfigures properly. As a result, the user can easily create an image as abasis for the digital content.

The display apparatus 100 may receive a base image for digital contentbased on an image stored at a built-in storage medium. Accordingly, theuser may load frequently-used image and use the loaded image easily. Thedisplay apparatus 100 may also receive an image stored at an externaldevice from the external device.

The display apparatus 100 may also receive an image drawn by user touch.By way of example, the display apparatus 100 may receive an image drawnon the touch screen by the user and use the received image as a baseimage for the digital content. Additionally, the display apparatus 100may receive an image drawn on the touch screen of the external devicefrom the external device and use the received image as a base image forthe digital content.

The display apparatus 100 may also convert a document file, which iswritten by a document writing program of a computer such as PowerPointor word processor, and apply the converted image file as the base imagefor the digital content.

As explained above, the display apparatus 100 may receive an inputtedimage in various manners. And as illustrated in FIG. 1, the inputtedimage is displayed on the digital content generating window 110.

The display apparatus 100 also perceives the intermediary figureincluded in the inputted image. Referring to FIG. 1, the image appearingon the digital content generating window 110 may include a firstintermediary FIG. 120, a second intermediary FIG. 130, and a thirdintermediary FIG. 140. Accordingly, the display apparatus 100 perceivesthat the inputted image includes the first, second and thirdintermediary FIGS. 120, 130, 140.

The intermediary figure corresponds to a location to which a digitalobject is to be inserted. The display apparatus 100 perceives theintermediary figures included in the inputted image, and inserts thedigital object to the locations where the intermediary figures aredisplayed according to user selection. Specifically, the intermediaryfigures may include at least one of specific pattern, specific text,specific shape, and specific video.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first intermediary FIG. 120 may be a boxpattern with a letter X formed therein, the second intermediary FIG. 130may be a box with a letter P formed therein, and the third intermediaryFIG. 140 may be a box with a letter M formed therein.

As explained above, there may be a plurality of intermediary figures,and the display apparatus 100 inserts different types of digital objectsdepending on the respective types of the intermediary figures. That is,the types of intermediary figures represent the types of to-be-inserteddigital objects. By way of example, the first intermediary FIG. 120corresponds to a location to which a text object related with a title isinserted. The second intermediary FIG. 130 corresponds to a location towhich a photograph object is inserted. The third intermediary FIG. 140corresponds to a location to which a video object is inserted. Asexplained above, which digital objects are inserted to the locations ofthe intermediary figures depends on the types of the intermediaryfigures.

The user may arbitrarily change the types of digital objects thatcorrespond to the intermediary figures. Additionally, the user may set anew intermediary figure, and also designate a digital object thatcorresponds to the newly-set intermediary figure.

Herein, the ‘digital object’ refers to a certain type of sub-contentwhich is inserted into an image inputted to generate digital content.The types of digital objects may include at least one of an image, videoimage, media file, text file, text input window, shapes, linkinformation, widget, and application program. The types of digitalobjects inserted into the intermediary figures are determined accordingto the types of the intermediary figures.

Additionally, the display apparatus 100 may perceive the intermediaryfigures included in the inputted image by automatic or manualrecognition. Specifically, if automatic recognition is set for therecognition of the intermediary figures, the display apparatus 100perceives the intermediary figures included in the inputted imageautomatically upon input of the image. However, if the manualrecognition is set for perceiving the intermediary figures, the displayapparatus 100 perceives the intermediary figures included in theinputted image upon receipt of a user command directing to perceive theintermediary figures.

The display apparatus 100 inserts a digital object selected by the userinto a location where the intermediary figure is displayed.Specifically, the display apparatus 100 displays a list of a pluralityof digital objects to be inserted, upon receipt of a user commanddirecting to insert the objects with respect to the intermediary figuresincluded in the displayed image. That is, the display apparatus 100displays on the screen a list of specific types of digital objects thatcorrespond to the types of the intermediary figures, upon receipt of acommand directing to insert an object with respect to a specificintermediary figure. By way of example, in response to a commanddirecting to insert an object with respect to the second intermediaryFIG. 130, the display apparatus 100 displays a list of image files whichcan be inserted. If a command directing to insert an object with respectto the third intermediary FIG. 140 is inputted, the display apparatus100 displays a list of insertable video files.

The display apparatus 100 then inserts a digital object selected by theuser from among the plurality of digital objects of the digital objectlist into a location where the intermediary figure is displayed.

If the user inserts a command directing to insert an object with respectto the intermediary figure included in the displayed image, the displayapparatus 100 may display a Digital Object Type menu. The ‘DigitalObject Type menu’ herein may include an image item, a video item, and atext item.

The display apparatus 100 displays a list of digital objects of the typeas selected by the user from the Digital Object Type menu. By way ofexample, if the user selects an image item from the Digital Object Typemenu, the display apparatus 100 displays a list of images which can beinserted into a location where a corresponding intermediary figure isdisplayed. If the user selects a video item from the Digital Object Typemenu, the display apparatus 100 displays a list of video images whichcan be inserted into a location where a corresponding intermediaryfigure is displayed.

The display apparatus 100 may also drag & drop a digital objectdisplayed on a background screen to insert the digital object into alocation where the intermediary figure is displayed.

The display apparatus 100 inserts digital objects into a plurality ofintermediary FIGS. 120, 130, 140 displayed on the digital contentgenerating window 110 and thus stores and displays the completed digitalcontent. That is, the ‘digital content’ refers to the content which iscompleted as the digital objects are inserted into an inputted image.

The display apparatus 100 re-sizes the digital object to suit the sizeof the intermediary figure before inserting the digital object into theintermediary figure. Accordingly, the size of the intermediary figurecorresponds to the size of the digital object after insertion. However,the display apparatus 100 may insert a digital object into anintermediary figure while maintaining a predetermined horizontal tovertical ratio of the digital object. Additionally, as the user selects,the display apparatus 100 may determine whether to insert the digitalobject in the size of the intermediary figure or in its original size.

As explained above, the display apparatus 100 may scale-down the digitalobject automatically or according to user selection, if the digitalobject to be inserted has a different size.

Additionally, the display apparatus 100 may generate digital content ina manner of grouping an inputted image and an inserted digital objecttogether. That is, since the digital object and the image of the digitalcontent form a group, the digital object changes size as the digitalcontent changes size.

The display apparatus 100 may also un-group the digital contentincluding the inputted image and the inserted digital object, accordingto user selection. If the digital content is un-grouped, the displayapparatus 100 may change the location or size of the digital object ofthe digital content only, or remove the digital object from the digitalcontent.

As explained above, the user is able to generate digital content easily,by simply inserting digital object through touch screen or the likebased on hand-written image or previously-written image.

Accordingly, the display apparatus 100 inserts digital object into theintermediary figure according to the user selection, by automaticallyperceiving the intermediary figure included in the inputted image. As aresult, the user can generate digital content by a simple operation,i.e., by inserting the digital object into a location where theintermediary figure is displayed.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart provided to explain a method for generatingdigital content according to an embodiment.

First, at 5210, the display apparatus 100 receives an image. Theinputted image is applied as a template or form as a basis of thedigital content. Since the inputted image includes a plurality ofintermediary figures, the inputted image is applied as a base form ofgenerating the digital content.

The display apparatus 100 may receive an input in various manners.Specifically, the display apparatus 100 may receive from an externalphotographing apparatus an image taken by the external photographingapparatus. The external photographing apparatus herein may beimplemented as one of digital camera, wired/wireless webcam, portablecamera, camcorder, object image processor, or scanner. An example wherethe image is received from a portable camera will be explained belowwith reference to FIGS. 3A to 3I, and an example where the image isinputted from an object image processor will be explained below withreference to FIGS. 4A to 4N.

Accordingly, if the display apparatus 100 receives an image photographedby the external photographing apparatus, user may hand-draw a base imagefor digital content, photograph the hand-drawn image using the externalphotographing apparatus, and input the photographed image to the displayapparatus 100. Then, the user may create an image incorporating aplurality of intermediary figures by hand-drawing the intermediaryfigures properly. As a result, the user can easily create an image as abasis for the digital content.

The display apparatus 100 may receive a base image for digital contentbased on an image stored at a built-in storage medium. An example wherethe previously-stored image is inputted will be explained below withreference to FIGS. 5A to 5J. Accordingly, the user may loadfrequently-used image and use the loaded image easily. The displayapparatus 100 may also receive an image stored at an external devicefrom the external device.

The display apparatus 100 may also receive an image drawn by the usertouch. By way of example, the display apparatus 100 may receive an imagedrawn on the touch screen by the user and use the received image as abase image for the digital content. Additionally, the display apparatus100 may receive an image drawn on the touch screen of the externaldevice from the external device and use the received image as a baseimage for the digital content. An example where an image is inputtedbased on the user touch selection will be explained in detail below withreference to FIGS. 6A to 6E and FIGS. 7A to 7E.

The display apparatus 100 may also convert a document file, which iswritten by a document writing program of a computer, and apply theconverted image file as the base image for the digital content.

As explained above, the display apparatus 100 may receive an inputtedimage in various manners.

At S220, the display apparatus 100 displays the inputted image on thedigital content generating window 110.

At S230, the display apparatus 100 perceives the intermediary figureincluded in the inputted image. The intermediary figure corresponds to alocation to which a digital object is to be inserted. At S240, thedisplay apparatus 100 inserts the digital object to the locations wherethe intermediary figures are displayed according to user selection.Specifically, the intermediary figures may include at least one ofspecific pattern, specific text, specific shape, and specific video.

There may be a plurality of intermediary figures, and the displayapparatus 100 inserts different types of digital objects depending onthe respective types of the intermediary figures. That is, the types ofintermediary figures represent the types of to-be-inserted digitalobjects.

Herein, the ‘digital object’ refers to a certain type of sub-contentwhich is inserted into an image inputted to generate digital content.The types of digital objects may include at least one of an image, videoimage, media file, text file, text input window, shapes, linkinformation, widget, and application program. The types of digitalobjects inserted into the intermediary figures are determined accordingto the types of the intermediary figures.

The display apparatus 100 inserts a digital object selected by the userinto a location where the intermediary figure is displayed.Specifically, the display apparatus 100 displays a list of a pluralityof digital objects to be inserted, upon receipt of a user commanddirecting to insert the objects with respect to the intermediary figuresincluded in the displayed image. That is, the display apparatus 100displays on the screen a list of specific types of digital objects thatcorrespond to the types of the intermediary figures, upon receipt of acommand directing to insert an object with respect to a specificintermediary figure. By way of example, in response to a commanddirecting to insert an object with respect to the second intermediaryFIG. 130, the display apparatus 100 displays a list of image files whichcan be inserted. If a command directing to insert an object with respectto the third intermediary FIG. 140 is inputted, the display apparatus100 displays a list of insertable video files.

The display apparatus 100 then inserts a digital object selected by theuser from among the plurality of digital objects of the digital objectlist into a location where the intermediary figure is displayed.

If the user inserts a command directing to insert an object with respectto the intermediary figure included in the displayed image, the displayapparatus 100 may display a menu of digital object types. The ‘menu ofdigital object types’ herein may include an image item, a video item,and a text item.

The display apparatus 100 displays a list of digital objects of the typeas selected by the user from the menu of digital object types.

At S250, the display apparatus 100 displays the digital content in whichthe digital object is inserted into the image. At S260, the displayapparatus 100 stores the completed digital content as a separate file.The display apparatus 100 may also store the entire screen on which thecompleted digital content is displayed.

Additionally, the display apparatus 100 may generate digital content ina manner of grouping an inputted image and an inserted digital objecttogether. That is, since the digital object and the image of the digitalcontent form a group, the digital object changes size as the digitalcontent changes size.

The display apparatus 100 may also un-group the digital contentincluding the inputted image and the inserted digital object, accordingto a user selection. If the digital content is un-grouped, the displayapparatus 100 may change the location or size of the digital object ofthe digital content only, or remove the digital object from the digitalcontent.

As explained above, the user is able to generate digital content easily,by simply inserting digital object through touch screen or the likebased on hand-written image or previously-written image.

Accordingly, the display apparatus 100 inserts digital object into theintermediary figure according to user selection, by automaticallyperceiving the intermediary figure included in the inputted image. As aresult, the user can generate digital content by a simple operation,i.e., by inserting the digital object into a location where theintermediary figure is displayed.

FIGS. 3A to 3I illustrate the process of receiving an image photographedby a camera and generating content using the inputted image, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates the screen of the display apparatus 100. Referringto FIG. 3A, a first video object 311, a first photo object 312 and asecond photo object 313 are currently displayed on the screen of thedisplay apparatus 100.

At this state, if a paper sheet 320 as a basis for content is placed onthe right side of the screen as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the displayapparatus 100 perceives the location where the paper sheet 320 is placedand also the size of the paper sheet 320. The paper sheet 320 includes afirst intermediary FIG. 321, a second intermediary FIG. 322 and a thirdintermediary FIG. 323.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the user photographs the paper sheet 320 using thecamera 300. Referring to FIG. 3D, the camera displays the image 330corresponding to the paper sheet 320 on the screen. If the user presses‘send’ button 340, the camera 300 transfers the photographed image 330of the paper sheet 320 to the display apparatus 100.

Referring to FIG. 3E, the display apparatus 100 displays thephotographed image 330 on the digital content generating window 350. Asillustrated, the display apparatus 100 displays the digital contentgenerating window 350 in the same size as that of the paper sheet 320and on the same location as the paper sheet 320.

Referring to FIG. 3F, the user can see the digital content generatingwindow 350 displayed on the screen of the display apparatus 100 as heremoves the paper sheet 320. The digital content generating window 350displays the photographed image 330. And the photographed image 330includes the first, second and third intermediary FIGS. 351, 352, 353which are exactly the same as drawn on the paper sheet 320. Accordingly,when the photographed image 330 is inputted, the display apparatus 100perceives that the photographed image 330 contains the first, second andthird intermediary FIGS. 351, 352, 353.

Referring to FIG. 3G, by dragging & dropping the video object 311 fromamong the digital objects 311, 312, 313 displayed on the backgroundscreen into the third intermediary FIG. 353, the user can insert thevideo object 311 into a location where the third intermediary FIG. 353is displayed.

FIG. 3H illustrates a situation in which the first photo object 312 isinserted into the first intermediary FIG. 351, and the video object 311is inserted into the third intermediary FIG. 353, with respect to theimage 330 displayed on the digital content generating window 350.

FIG. 3I illustrates a situation in which the first photo object 312 isinserted into the first intermediary FIG. 351, the second photo object313 is inserted into the second intermediary FIG. 352, and the videoobject 311 is inserted into the third intermediary FIG. 353.Accordingly, if a save button 360 is touched in a state that the digitalcontent is completed, the display apparatus 100 stores the completeddigital content as displayed on the digital content generating window100 as a separate file.

By the process explained above, the display apparatus 100 receives animage photographed by the camera and generates content using theinputted image. Accordingly, the user photographs a hand-drawn pictureon a paper sheet with the camera and generates digital content on thedisplay apparatus 100 based on the photographed picture.

Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4N, the process of receiving an imagephotographed by an object image processor and generating content usingthe inputted image will be explained below. FIGS. 4A to 4N illustratethe process in which an image photographed by the object image processoris inputted and content is generated using the inputted image. Theobject image processor herein refers to a device which photographsimages of various objects and transfers the photographed images to thesurrounding devices. The object image processor provides variousadditional functions and is widely used in many applications such asteaching equipment at a classroom. The object image processor is usedmainly to display the content of books, printouts on a connected displayapparatus 100 in an increased size. Since a lens is formed on an upperend of the object image processor, the object image processor transfersthe image of any object that is placed under the lens to the displayapparatus 100 at room brightness.

FIG. 4A illustrates the screen of the display apparatus 100 which iscapable of communicating with the object image processor 400. Referringto FIG. 4A, an ‘Easy Authoring’ button 410 is currently displayed on thescreen of the display apparatus 100. A button 405 of the object imageprocessor 400 is provided to receive a command directing to display theimage photographed by the object image processor 400 on the screen ofthe display apparatus 100. Accordingly, if the user selects the ‘EasyAuthoring’ button 410, the display apparatus 100 perceives anintermediary figure from the inputted image.

FIG. 4B illustrates a situation in which an image 420, currentlyphotographed by the object image processor 400, is displayed as theentire screen. Referring to FIG. 4B, the image 420 photographed by theobject image processor 400 includes an intermediary FIG. 425. If theuser selects a ‘capture’ button 430, the display apparatus 100 capturesthe image being photographed by the object image processor 400 as aseparate image as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D.

FIG. 4C illustrates a situation in which an Object Image Processorwindow 440 is displayed in response to selection of a capture button 430of FIG. 4B, so that the image captured at a capture image display area450 is loaded. The Object Image Processor window 440 displays inreal-time basis an image photographed by the object image processor 400.That is, the Object Image Processor window 440 of FIG. 4C is the entirescreen of FIG. 4B displayed as a window form.

When loading is completed, referring to FIG. 4D, the display apparatus100 captures the image 420 displayed on the Object Image Processorwindow 440 as is, and displays the captured image on the capture imagedisplay area 450. The display apparatus 100 stores the captured image420 as a separate file.

Additionally, if the user touches a delete button 448 which is anadditional button with respect to the Edit button 445, the displayapparatus 100 removes the Object Image Processor window 440 from thescreen.

FIG. 4E illustrates the screen from which the Object Image Processorwindow 440 is removed. Referring to FIG. 4E, the captured image 420 isdisplayed on the capture image display area 450. As illustrated, thecaptured image includes the intermediary FIG. 425.

At this state, if the user selects the Easy Authoring button 410, thedisplay apparatus 100 perceives an existence of the intermediary FIG.425 in the captured image 420.

Referring to FIG. 4F, the Easy Authoring button 410 of FIG. 4E isautomatically converted to ‘Switch to Board Screen’ button 415 of 4F.The ‘Switch to Board Screen’ button 415 receives a command directing torelease Easy Authoring function. That is, the display apparatus 100toggles between ‘executing’ and ‘releasing’ of the Easy Authoringfunction according to the Easy Authoring button 410 and the ‘Switch toBoard Screen’ button 415. Although the button to receive a commanddirecting to release the Easy Authoring function is named as ‘Switch toBoard Screen’ button 415 in the example explained above, the button 415may be named otherwise. For example, the button to receive a commanddirecting to release the Easy Authoring function may be named as ‘EasyAuthoring Release’ button. Alternatively, the name of the Easy Authoringbutton may be retained, but the form of the button can change. In thiscase, the user understands that the Easy Authoring button operates in atoggling manner, based on the effect that the form of the Easy Authoringbutton changes.

FIG. 4F illustrates the screen on which a Digital Object Insert icon 460is displayed on the intermediary FIG. 425 according to a perception atthe display apparatus 100 of the existence of the intermediary FIG. 425in the captured image 420. The Digital Object Insert icon 460 receives acommand directing to insert a digital object into the intermediary FIG.425. Accordingly, if the user selects the Digital Object Insert icon460, the display apparatus 100 carries out the process of inserting adigital object into the intermediary FIG. 425. The Digital Object Inserticon 460 may exist on the image of the intermediary FIG. 425, in thesame shape and size as those of the intermediary shape 425. The displayapparatus 100 may also carry out a process of inserting a digital objectin a state that the Digital Object Insert icon 460 is not displayed, byresponding to selecting of the intermediary FIG. 425 itself.

FIG. 4G illustrates the screen on which Digital Object Type menu 470 isdisplayed. If the user selects the Digital Object Insert icon 460, thedisplay apparatus 100 displays the Digital Object Type menu 470.Referring to FIG. 4G, the Digital Object Type menu 470 may include animage item, a sound item, a flash item, and a content item.

If the image item is selected from the Digital Object Type menu 470,referring to FIG. 4H, the display apparatus 100 displays an Image ObjectSelect window 480. If a specific image 482 is selected from the ImageObject Select window 480, the display apparatus 100 inserts the selectedspecific image 480 into a location where the intermediary FIG. 425 isdisplayed.

FIG. 4I illustrates the screen on which the selected specific image 482is inserted into the location where the intermediary FIG. 425 isdisplayed. As explained above, if the user selects the ‘Switch to BoardScreen’ button 415 after the selected specific image 482 is insertedinto the location where the intermediary FIG. 425 is displayed, thedisplay apparatus 100 finishes generating of the digital content.

FIG. 4J illustrates a situation in which the completed digital content429 is displayed on the capture image display area 450. Referring toFIG. 4K, if a save item 492 is selected from the menu 490, the displayapparatus 100 stores the completed digital content 429.

That is, referring to FIG. 4L, if the user inputs a save command withrespect to the storing location selected through a storing locationselect window 494, the display apparatus 100 stores the completeddigital content 429 at the selected storing location.

Then, referring to FIG. 4M, the display apparatus 100 displays a messagewindow 496 to inform that the digital content is stored. Then, referringto FIG. 4N, if the user selects an OK button 498, the display apparatus100 removes the message window 496 from the screen.

By the processes explained above, the display apparatus 100 receives animage photographed by the object image processor 400 and generatesdigital content using the received image. Accordingly, the user canphotograph a hand-drawn picture on a paper sheet using the object imageprocessor 400 and generate digital content on the display apparatus 100based on the photographed image.

The process of generating digital content by receiving apreviously-stored image and using the received image will be explainedbelow with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5J. FIGS. 5A to 5J illustrate theprocess of generating digital content by receiving a previously-storedimage and using the received image, according to an embodiment. Thepreviously-stored image may include an image stored at the displayapparatus 100, or an image stored at an external device. To use an imagestored at an external device, the display apparatus 100 is communicablyconnected to the external device and receives the image from theexternal device.

FIG. 5A illustrates the screen on which a stored image file list 510 isdisplayed. Referring to FIG. 5A, the stored image file list 510 includesa specific image 520 which is the base of the digital content to begenerated.

FIG. 5B illustrates dragging & dropping by the user of the specificimage 520 to the background screen. Referring to FIG. 5B, if the userdrags & drops the specific image 520 to the background screen, asillustrated in FIG. 5C, the specific image 520 is displayed in itsoriginal size at the dragged & dropped location.

In such a state, if the user selects an Easy Authoring button 530 asillustrated in FIG. 5C, the display apparatus 100 perceives theintermediary figure in the specific image 520. The Easy Authoring button530 is provided to receive a command directing to perceive theintermediary figure.

Accordingly, in response to user selection of the Easy Authoring button510, the display apparatus 100 perceives the existence of a firstintermediary FIG. 523 and a second intermediary FIG. 526.

Referring to FIG. 5D, the display apparatus 100 displays on the screen afirst Digital Object Insert icon 543 with respect to the firstintermediary FIG. 523 and a second Digital Object Insert icon 546 withrespect to the second intermediary FIG. 526. The Digital Object inserticons 543, 546 are provided to receive a command directing to insertdigital objects into the intermediary FIGS. 523, 526. Accordingly, ifthe user selects the first Digital Object Insert icon 543, the displayapparatus 100 carries out the process of inserting a digital object intothe first intermediary FIG. 523. If the user touches the second DigitalObject Insert icon 546, the display apparatus 100 carries out theprocess of inserting a digital object into the second intermediary FIG.526.

FIG. 5E illustrates the screen on which Digital Object Type menu 550 isdisplayed. If the user selects the second Digital Object Insert icon546, the display apparatus 100 displays the Digital Object Type menu550. Referring to FIG. 5E, the Digital Object Type menu 550 may includean image item, a sound item, a flash item, and a content item.

Referring to FIG. 5F, if the user selects the image item from theDigital Object Type menu 550 of FIG. 5E, the display apparatus 100displays an Image Object Select window 560. If the user selects an imageobject 563 from the Image Object Select window 560, the displayapparatus 100 inserts the selected image object 563 into a locationwhere the second intermediary FIG. 526 is displayed.

FIG. 5G illustrates the screen on which the selected image object 563 isinserted into the location where the second intermediary FIG. 526 isdisplayed. As explained above, if the user selects the ‘Switch to BoardScreen’ button 535 after the selected image object 563 is inserted intothe location where the second intermediary FIG. 526 is displayed, thedisplay apparatus 100 finishes generating of the digital content.

FIG. 5H illustrates a situation in which the digital content 570 inwhich the image object is inserted is displayed. Referring to FIG. 5I,the user may adjust the size of the digital content 570 by touching acorner of the digital content 570 to move the corner.

Referring to FIG. 5J, if the user increases the size of the digitalcontent 570 by touching the corner, the display apparatus 100 increasesthe size of the digital content 570 and displays the digital content 570in the increased size. Since the image object is grouped with thedigital content, the image object may be enlarged in proportion to thesize of the digital content 570.

By the processes explained above, the display apparatus 100 receives apreviously-stored image and generates digital content using the receivedimage. Accordingly, the user can generate digital content on the displayapparatus 100 based on the previously-stored image.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6E, the process of receiving an image drawn bythe user touch operation with respect to the touch screen and generatingcontent using the received image will be explained below. FIGS. 6A to 6Eillustrate the process of receiving an image drawn by the user touchoperation with respect to the touch screen and generating content usingthe received image, according to an embodiment. The display apparatus100 in this example is provided with a touch screen function.

FIG. 6A illustrates the screen on which a specific image object 610 isdisplayed. Referring to FIG. 6A, the display apparatus 100 displays thepicture drawn by the user touch operation on the screen.

Referring to FIG. 6B, an image 620 drawn by the user touch is displayedon the screen. In this state, the display apparatus 100 automaticallyperceives that the drawn image 620 corresponds to the intermediaryfigure. Alternatively, the display apparatus 100 may perceive theintermediary figure on receipt of specific selection.

After that, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the display apparatus 100perceives the drawn image 620 as the intermediary figure and displays aDigital Object Insert icon 630 with respect to the perceivedintermediary figure.

Referring to FIG. 6D, if the user drags & drops the specific imageobject 610 into the drawn image 620, the display apparatus 100 insertsthe specific image object 610 into the drawn image 620.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6E, the display apparatus 100displays the specific image object 610 within the drawn image 620.

By the processes explained above, the display apparatus 100 receives animage drawn by the user touch operation and generates digital contentusing the received image. Accordingly, the user can generate digitalcontent on the display apparatus 100 based on the image drawn by theuser using the touch screen.

The process of receiving an image 710 drawn by the user touching a touchscreen of an external device, and generating content using the receivedimage will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7E. FIGS. 7A to 7Eillustrate the process of receiving an image 710 drawn by the usertouching a touch screen of an external device, and generating contentusing the received image. The external device 700 in this exampleincludes a touch screen function. The external device 700 may be anelectronic book device, a tablet PC, or a PDA.

FIG. 7A illustrates an image 710 drawn by user touch operation on thetouch screen of the external device 700. The external device 700displays the image 710 drawn by the user touch operation and transfersthe drawn image 710 to the display apparatus 100.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the display apparatus 100 displays the image 710received from the external device 700 on the screen. Additionally, aspecific image object 720 is displayed on the screen of the displayapparatus 100. In such a state, the display apparatus 100 automaticallyperceives that the drawn image 710 corresponds to the intermediaryfigure. That is, without requiring a separate operation, the displayapparatus 100 automatically analyzes the shape of the drawn image 710and perceives that the drawn image 710 corresponds to the intermediaryfigure based on the analyzed result.

After that, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, the display apparatus 100, onperceiving the received image 710 as the intermediary figure, display aDigital Object Insert icon 730 with respect to the perceivedintermediary figure.

Referring to FIG. 7D, if the user drags & drops the specific imageobject 710 into the received image 710, the display apparatus 100inserts the specific image object 720 into the received image 710.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 7E, the display apparatus 100displays the specific image object 720 within the received image 710.

By the processes explained above, the display apparatus 100 receives animage drawn by the user touch operation from the external device 700 andgenerates digital content using the received image. Accordingly, theuser can generate digital content on the display apparatus 100 based onthe image drawn by the user using the touch screen of the externaldevice 700.

An example of generated digital content will be explained below withreference to FIGS. 8A to 9B. FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate a base image 800of the digital content and completed digital content 860, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 8A illustrates the screen on which the base image 800 of thedigital content is displayed. Referring to FIG. 8A, the base image 800of the digital content includes a first intermediary FIG. 810, a secondintermediary FIG. 820, a third intermediary FIG. 830, a fourthintermediary FIG. 840 and a fifth intermediary FIG. 850. The first,third and fifth intermediary FIGS. 810, 830, 850 take the form of boxeswith letter X marked therein, and the second and fourth intermediaryFIGS. 820, 840 take the form of boxes with a triangle marked therein.The box with letter X marked therein indicates that the text is insertedinto the intermediary figure, and the box with a triangle marked thereinindicates that the video is inserted into the intermediary figure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a situation in which a text input window and anon-screen keyboard 870 are displayed on the first intermediary FIG. 810.Referring to FIG. 8B, if the first intermediary FIG. 810 is selected,the display apparatus 100 converts the first intermediary FIG. 810 intothe text input window and displays the on-screen keyboard 870 to receivetext input. Accordingly, the user inputs text into the firstintermediary FIG. 810 using the on-screen keyboard 870. Although theon-screen keyboard 870 is explained as an example of the text inputmeans, this is written only for illustrative purpose. Accordingly,various other means than the keyboard may be used to receive text input.

Referring to FIG. 8D, the text object ‘trumpet’ is inserted into thefirst intermediary FIG. 810 of the completed digital content 860.

FIG. 8C illustrates a situation in which a video select window 880 isdisplayed on the fourth intermediary FIG. 840. Referring to FIG. 8C, ifthe fourth intermediary FIG. 840 is selected, the display apparatus 100displays the video select window 880 to select a video to be insertedinto the fourth intermediary FIG. 840. Accordingly, through the videoselect window 880, the user selects a video to be inserted into alocation where the fourth intermediary FIG. 840 is displayed.

Referring to FIG. 8D, the video object is inserted into the fourthintermediary FIG. 840.

As explained above, since different types of digital objects areselected for insertion according to the types of the intermediaryfigures, the user is able to set the types of digital objects to insertinto the base image 800 of the digital content.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a base image 900 of the digital content andcompleted digital content 960 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9A illustrates the screen on which the base image 900 of thedigital content is displayed. Referring to FIG. 9A, the base image 900of the digital content includes a plurality of intermediary figurestherein. The plurality of intermediary figures may be boxes with aletter X marked therein.

Referring to FIG. 9B, photo objects are inserted into the plurality ofintermediary figures of the completed digital content 960. Specifically,if the user touches on a specific intermediary FIG. 940, the displayapparatus 100 displays an Object Type menu 950. Then if the user toucheson an image item of the Object Type menu 950, the display apparatus 100inserts the photo object into the specific intermediary FIG. 940.

As explained above, since the user can select the type of the digitalobject for insertion into the intermediary figure, the user is able toset the types of digital objects to insert into the base image 800 ofthe digital content.

The display apparatus 100 according to an embodiment will now beexplained below with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a block diagram ofthe display apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the display apparatus 100 includes a functionblock 1010, a communicating unit 1020, a selection unit 1030, a storageunit 1040, a display unit 1050, and a control unit 1060.

The function block 1010 carries out original function of the displayapparatus. By way of example, if the display apparatus is an electronicblackboard, the function block 1010 carries out the original function ofthe electronic blackboard.

The communicating unit 1020 is communicably connected to the externaldevice via mobile communication network, internet, or intranet. Thecommunicating unit 1120 may receive a base image of the digital contentto be generated, from the external device.

The manipulating unit 1030 receives user operation to input a usercommand. Specifically, the selection unit 1030 receives selectionscorresponding to the commands of the user such as a command directing toselect one from among various items displayed on the screen, or thelike. The selection unit 1030 may be implemented as a touch screen,button, mouse, or touchpad.

The storage unit 1040 stores therein programs and applications forexecuting the function of the display apparatus 100. Additionally, thestorage unit 1040 may store therein base images of digital content to begenerated, digital objects and complete digital content.

The display unit 1050 displays the inputted image. Specifically, thedisplay unit 1050 displays the base image of the digital content to begenerated, digital objects and completed digital content.

The control unit 1060 controls the overall operations of the displayapparatus 100 according to user selections inputted through theselection unit 1030. Specifically, the control unit 1060 perceives theintermediary figure included in the inputted image, inserts a digitalobject into a location where the intermediary figure is displayed, andcontrols so that the digital content, which is the image in whichdigital object is inserted, is displayed. Additionally, the control unit1060 controls the display apparatus 100 to provide the functionsillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9B and UI.

Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit 1060 may include a perceivingunit 1062, a display control unit 1064 and a UI control unit 1066.

The perceiving unit 1062 analyzes the form of the inputted image andperceives an existence of an intermediary figure based on the analyzedresult. The perceiving unit 1062 extracts location and size informationof the intermediary figure if perceiving that the intermediary figure isincluded.

The display control unit 1064 inserts a digital object into a locationwhere the intermediary figure is displayed, and controls so that thedigital object, which is the image in which the digital object isinserted, is displayed. The display control unit 1064 also controls sothat the images such as the inputted image are displayed on the screen.

The UI control unit 1066 controls so that the functions illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 9B and UI are provided.

In one embodiment, the display apparatus 100 may be implemented as avariety of devices, including, for example, an electronic blackboard, anelectronic table, an electronic book device, a tablet PC, a laptopcomputer, a mobile phone, or a PDA.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as definedby the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating a content of a displayapparatus, the method comprising: receiving a user touch on the displayapparatus; detecting an area on the display apparatus corresponding tothe received user touch; and inserting and displaying an object into thedetected area, wherein the inserting and displaying the object furthercomprises, in response to a command for inserting an object on thedetected area included in the displayed user touch which is input by auser, displaying a list of a plurality of objects to be inserted.
 2. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: displaying a mark todivide the area corresponding to the received user touch and a rest ofareas.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inserting anddisplaying the object further comprises, from among a plurality ofobjects included in the object list, inserting an object selected by auser into the detected area.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the object comprises at least one of an application executableat the display apparatus and at least one of a video, a media file, atext input window, a widget, and an application program.
 5. The methodas claimed in claim 1, further comprising: displaying a menu to select atype of an object to be inserted into the detected area.
 6. A displayapparatus, comprising: a manipulation unit configured to receive a usertouch; a display; and a controller configured to determine an areacorresponding to the received user touch, insert and display an objectinto the detected area, wherein the controller, in response to a commandfor inserting an object on the detected area included in the displayeduser touch which is input by a user, controls the display to display alist of a plurality of objects to be inserted.
 7. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 6, wherein the controller controls the display todisplay a mark to divide the area corresponding to the received usertouch and a rest of areas.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6,wherein the controller controls to, from among a plurality of objectsincluded in the object list, insert an object selected by a user intothe detected area.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein theobject comprises at least one executable application, and at least oneof a video, a media file, a text input window, a widget, and anapplication program.